The 2025 Ram 1500 is one of the most talked-about trucks of the year, but not every owner has had a smooth and enjoyable ride. If you’re one of the unlucky owners facing constant issues, your experience may have you feeling like you’re stuck on an island with no way off. Engine stalls, failing sensors, and glitchy electronics are not problems you expect with a brand-new vehicle, but Ram 1500 owners have recourse.
If repairs haven’t fixed the problem and the dealership keeps giving excuses, you can look into the Ram 1500 Lemon Law. Ram 1500 owners deserve answers about these common problems, and it helps to know your rights if you want to protect yourself and your wallet. Sit back, relax, and let’s look at how the Lemon Law can help you take control of your lemon situation.
Is Your 2025 Ram 1500 a Lemon?
California’s Lemon Law, officially called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, gives you the right to a refund or replacement vehicle if your lemon qualifies. So, how do you know if your 2025 Ram 1500 fits the bill? Let’s talk about a few basic conditions you must meet.
First, your truck must have an active warranty and have been in the shop at least twice for the same issue without a fix. If you have to visit the dealership multiple times, you may have a case under the Dodge Ram Lemon Law. If the vehicle has spent a total of 30 days or more out of service, you may qualify even on the first visit.
Most importantly, the defect must be substantial enough to qualify under the law. This means anything that affects the vehicle’s use, safety, or value in a meaningful way. A creaky door won’t get you a refund, but an issue with the brakes or transmission may.
How the Dodge Lemon Law Works in California
Below is a quick rundown of how the law can protect you and your investment:
- The manufacturer must be allowed a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem
- If they fail, you can file a claim and request a buy back or replacement vehicle
- You are also entitled to a refund of related costs, like taxes, registration, repair expenses, and rental cars
As for what’s considered a “reasonable” number of repair attempts, the law doesn’t give a specific number. However, here’s what we typically see:
- 2 or more repairs for a serious safety defect (like brakes or steering)
- 4 or more repairs for a non-safety issue
- 30+ days in the shop for any defect, regardless of how many visits
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a 2022 Ram 1500 Lemon Law Claim
Here’s how you can take control of your sour situation:
Start Tracking Everything
Every time your truck goes into the shop, it matters. Start keeping a detailed record of each repair visit. This should include:
- Repair orders and invoices
- Dealership notes and repair results
- Communication with Ram or the dealership
- Photos, videos, or written logs of the issue, like dashboard warning lights, abnormal sounds, or other visible defects
Some drivers also keep a personal log describing when problems occur and how they affect the vehicle’s performance.
Request a Final Repair Attempt
Once your truck has been in the shop multiple times without a permanent fix, formally notify the manufacturer. This notice is referred to as a “last-chance” letter.
In your letter or email, politely but clearly state that the vehicle continues to have problems despite repairs, and you demand a final attempt under warranty. Make sure to include details like your VIN, the issue you’ve experienced, and a summary of past repair attempts. This shows that you’ve been patient and have given the manufacturer a fair opportunity to resolve the problem.
Contact a Lemon Law Attorney
If the issue remains unresolved, the next step is to contact a Lemon Law attorney. Taking on a large automaker like Ram or its parent company, Stellantis, can be challenging on your own. The good news is that most Lemon Law attorneys in California work on a contingency basis, which means you owe nothing unless your attorney wins the case. If your claim is successful, the automaker often covers your attorney’s costs.
An experienced lawyer will be able to evaluate your documentation, communicate directly with Ram, and handle all the legal details so you don’t have to.
Choose Your Preferred Remedy
Once your case qualifies under California’s Lemon Law, you can choose a resolution that works for you. The most common outcome is a Dodge Lemon Law buyback, where you return the truck and get a refund. This will cover your payments, taxes, registration fees, and more, minus a small deduction for the miles driven before the issue began.
Another option is a replacement, where Ram provides you with a new truck of similar value and features. If you’d prefer to keep your current vehicle, you might also be eligible for a cash settlement. This option compensates you for the inconvenience, loss in value, or ongoing problems caused by the defect. With this you get to keep the car and any remaining warranty, but don’t choose this option if you can’t stand your truck’s problems.
Your lawyer will explain each of these options in detail and help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dealership says the truck is “within normal specs”?
That’s a common defense, but if the problem keeps returning, it doesn’t matter what the spec sheet says. A qualified Lemon Law lawyer can push back on vague explanations and catch-all excuses.
Do I have to go to the same dealership every time for repairs?
No. While it helps to have a consistent repair history, you’re not legally required to return to the same dealership. What matters is that you visit a service center authorized by Ram and document each repair attempt.
Can I file a Lemon Law Dodge Ram claim if I leased my truck?
Yes, you can! The same rules that cover purchased vehicles also cover leased cars, as long as they’re still under warranty.
Will filing a claim hurt my credit?
Not at all. Automakers don’t report Lemon Law claims to credit bureaus, and it won’t impact your credit score in any way. Moreover, if you took out a loan on the vehicle, Dodge will have to refund the remaining balance to the finance company. This way, your credit score might even go up.
Can I trade in my 2025 Ram 1500 instead of going through the Lemon Law process?
You can, but you probably shouldn’t before you explore your Lemon Law rights. Trading in a defective truck without resolving the claim might cost you thousands in lost value. If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you could receive a full refund or a new truck instead of taking a financial hit.
Takeaway: Don’t Let a Lemon Drag You Down
Buying a 2025 Ram 1500 should be exciting, but if your truck has turned into a repeat guest at the repair shop, it might be time to take action. California’s Ram Lemon law gives you the power to get rid of your defective truck, and the best part is that you don’t have to fight the battle alone.
Contact us at Quill & Arrow LLP to speak with any of our qualified Lemon Law attorneys. With our help, you can move forward with a better vehicle or some well-deserved compensation. If your Ram 1500 isn’t living up to the promise, it’s time to take charge and demand justice!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions